What is Vamousse used for?

How does Vamousse work?

Vamousse head lice treatment mousse contains isopropyl alcohol and isopropyl myristate. It works in a different way to conventional insecticides for head lice. Instead of poisoning the parasites by chemical means, these ingredients work by dissolving the protective exoskeleton of the head lice and their eggs. This kills 100% of lice and eggs within 15 minutes by dehydrating them.

Head lice cannot become resistant to Vamousse because it works in this physical way. As it kills both lice and eggs with one application there is no need to repeat the treatment after seven days. However, if the head lice come back it's fine to repeat the treatment straight away.

What should I know before using Vamousse?

Vamousse is flammable. Keep the can and treated hair away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames or other sources of fire. Do not smoke while using Vamousse.

Don't apply Vamousse to broken skin.

Take care to avoid getting Vamousse in the eyes, mouth or nose. If you accidentally get it in the eyes, rinse them immediately with plenty of water.

If the product causes a rash or irritation of the skin wash it off straight away with normal shampoo. If irritation persists consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Who shouldn't use Vamousse?

Vamousse should not be used on children under two years of age, unless it's recommended by your doctor.

Don't use Vamousse if you or your child are allergic to any of its ingredients.

How do you use Vamousse?

All family members with head lice should be treated on the same day to avoid re-infestation.

Vamousse should be applied to dry, untangled hair.

Shake the can before use and cover the shoulders with a towel.

Apply the mousse to the hair section by section. With each 2cm section of hair, apply the mousse starting at the scalp and continue down the entire length of the hair. Massage it in well from roots to tips until the hair is completely saturated.

Repeat the process with numerous other small sections until the whole scalp has been covered. For best results use the entire contents of the can for each treatment.

Leave the product on the hair for 15 minutes. Then use a fine-toothed nit comb to remove the dead lice and eggs from the wet hair. Separate the hair into small sections and comb it thoroughly from root to tip, cleaning the comb as you go to remove dead lice and eggs.

Finally, shampoo the hair using normal shampoo.

Can I use Vamousse while pregnant or breastfeeding?

Vamousse has not been specifically studied in women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Although using this treatment for head lice is not expected to cause any problems, as with all medicines, it's best to get advice from your doctor or midwife before using it if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.

What are the possible side effects of Vamousse?

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with Vamousse. Just because a side effect is stated here does not mean that all people using this product will experience that or any side effect.

Scalp itching or redness. If the product causes a rash or excessive irritation wash it off straight away with normal shampoo and get advice from your pharmacist regarding other products to treat the head lice.

If you want more information about possible side effects of Vamousse, read the leaflet provided with the product or talk to your pharmacist.

Can I use Vamousse with other medicines?

If you or your child are using any other medicines it's fine to treat the head lice with Vamousse - this product does not affect other medicines.

Last updated: 31.08.2017

Helen MarshallNetDoctor PharmacistHelen is a UK registered pharmacist with a background in hospital pharmacy.

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